Monday, September 14, 2009

A quote from "The Princess Bride"

At the time I thought it was just a fun movie, and I didn't gush over it the way some of my friends did back in 1987. I hardly recall the plot, so why do I recall quotes from this movie the way other people recall quotes from Shakespeare? Most recently this quote is coming to mind...

Inigo Montoya: I must know...
Man in Black
: Get used to disappointment.

Riley's hoof, I MUST KNOW
Not knowing is just the worst. Call it immaturity, call it obsessing, call it wasting others' valuable time. I'm gathering information from other sources right now, trying to find out what other experts think could be happening. So far I've shipped off x-rays and a case history to:

  1. A friend -- she's a vet tech at a vet school in the southeast said she will ask one of her faculty colleagues to review it.
  2. Another vet practice in PA (had a phone consultation on Friday).
  3. My local vet (she had some astute observations and some really good suggestions).
The surgeon is the one in the best position to say what is going on, and I'm not sure he has seen the new x-ray that shows the "area of concern." Have a call into him. I'll also call MRI specialist to see if it would be beneficial for her review the new x-ray.

What have I learned so far? Surgery may be the only option if there is a bone sequestrum, but if it is an infection there are alternatives to surgery that I at least need to ask about.

Forget Munchausen, what about PITA/ASSHAT Syndrome?
For those versed in the COTH lingo, I know I'm being a huge, huge PITA, and probably an asshat. Part of me (maybe 15%) is cringing and apologetic and afraid of being seen as a nutcase. Another 15% is wondering if am a nutcase. The other 70% is thinking both things are probably true, and it's just Too Freakin' Bad.


  1. I've been following Riley's progress and I have to say - you are NOT being a PITA!

    My own bias, based on a lot of experience, is that MDs and vets can be very intervention-focused (when less invasive alternatives exist and sometimes doing nothing for a bit is an option they don't/won't consider) - and imo what they might be recommending for his hoof is extremely invasive. So I think your researching, getting other opinions, and doing all you can to make the best decision is a GOOD thing.

    Sending good thoughts and wishes for the best outcome for Riley.

  2. You are not being a PITA at all! So stop thinking that way. The worst is always not knowing exactly what is going on.

    I am sure if I were in your situation, I would be doing the same kinds of things. Besides, second and third opinions are always a good idea.

    I wish there were something I could say to help you feel better. In the meantime, rant, express your feelings, whatever as much as you need to. I know I will drop by to "listen" and support you as much as I can.

  3. ongoing issues with my guy are most likely related to a fleshy sequestrum (residual from a bad case of cellulitis centered over his left hock) add to my sympathy for you! With 2 ultra sounds and many x-rays, we are fairly certain Beau has no bone involved, but none the less, getting this to clear has been a PITA! We are on the 10th week of antibiotics, and have had 2 abscess' rupture thru the limb.... its really not fun! I hope there is no bone involved for Riley- I have fingers crossed for you!

  4. If you kept mum and Riley's problems worsened, you'd be kicking yourself. Best to get as many people with expertise and insight to weigh in now!

  5. Look, who else is going to advocate for Riley? You have to be a PITA. That's just the way the system works, especially with patients who can't advocate for themselves...

  6. Well, I've never posted a comment before, but I feel compelled to tell you that you're not a nut case. Feeling crazy for your obsessive worrying is par for the course when you have an ailing horse. You are being a proactive owner. When we are so emotionally, financially, and physically invested in these animals we love and dream about, you would be crazy not to obsess over their well-being. Keep up the research and consults. I'll keep Riley in prayer. Best of luck to both of you.

  7. I do not think you are being a PITA either. Riley is lucky to have an advocate like you.

  8. You are not a PITA, you are a conscientious owner. Don't doubt this, really ever. You are always going to have a subtle awareness of your horses' conditions that a visiting veterinarian cannot have. Trust your instincts and do your research. That is what a good owner does.

    BUT I have to say you have missed the pirate boat on The Princess Bride. This is one of the best movies ever. I'm not sure if it will ever be considered a 'work of art' because the plot is, well, overdone is an understatement. But the dialogue from that movie still makes me laugh. And it starred Andre the Giant! And some other people who weren't bad actors too. And it is a bed time story. I still watch it whenever I can.

    Best of luck with your boys. We are all pulling for Riley.

  9. I don't think you are being a PITA. If someone implies you are, ignore them. They'd probably be doing the same things if they were in your shoes. Frankly, so would I. I think you are just being diligent about getting as much information as possible. That's very responsible IMHO and Riley will surely benefit from your forethought.

    I don't feel like I ever bought into the Princess Bride mystique myself. A lot of my friends recall that movie with reverence. But I never could get into it. Guess I'm a stick in the mud. :)

  10. My horse is IR and 19 years old, and I've been to hell and back w/ him and his body and feet. He wears a grazing muzzle in the summer. I have to give him feedings spread through out the day, and lately I've been obsseively worrying about giving him too much of the fresh hay I have. Are the NSC's too high? Am I going to sugar him out? He's too thin, blah, blah, blah. I am now adding chromium to his diet. I, yes, tend to obsess also, but what are you supposed to do? Because he's not a human child, we ignore them? If he were your human child, you'd be just as motivated. Let's change that word from obsessed to motivated. And we care. Keep the posts coming.

  11. Have you seen this post?

    I don't know if it's any good, but for what it's worth.....

  12. hi, people seem to love your blog, the number of comments is impressive ! have a good day!

  13. I don't think you're being a PITA at all. You have valid reasons for concern. My mom is very "Munchausen" about her dogs, but its because she has had some pretty bad outcomes with what on the surface seemed like very minor issues. She had a young (5 yr old) lab in great health vomit up water one morning a few years ago, and a couple hours later he died. :(

    Even I -- who worked as a vet tech for several years and who tends to have a "lets wait and see" perspective on my own animals' health -- was affected by my mom's tragic event. Now I always think twice about the situation and "gather more information" like you are doing. You will *never* be sorry that you got other opinions.

    My best to you and Riley!
    Woodstock, GA

